{"product_id":"old-map-of-new-south-wales-and-victoria-by-arrowsmith-1844-sydney-melbourne-port-phillip-bass-strait-routes-1817-40","title":"Old Map of New South Wales and Victoria by Arrowsmith 1844: Sydney, Melbourne, Port Phillip, Bass Strait, routes 1817–40","description":"\u003cp\u003eSouth Eastern Portion of Australia, issued in 1844 by John Arrowsmith, captures a continent on the cusp of transformation with the cool assurance of a master cartographer. The title signals his focus with unflinching precision: a judicious portrait of New South Wales and the Port Phillip District at a moment when counties, routes, and rivers were instruments of policy as much as geography. Arrowsmith’s signature outline color distinguishes counties and numbers them for swift reference, while a clear legend translates chromatic grace into practical intelligence. Issued amid the evolution of his celebrated atlas—whose expanded 1842 issue, with additional maps through 1844, is noted as an unrecorded variant by Verner, Phillips, and the British Museum—this map exemplifies the mid-century shift toward modern, information-rich design paired with spare, luminous elegance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eArrowsmith’s design marries restraint with depth. Counties are washed in lucid tones and crisply numbered, their borders threaded across a terrain rendered through disciplined hachures that articulate the fall of land and the drama of elevation. Rivers are named with measured clarity—arteries that organize both settlement and imagination—while the great watershed of the interior is implied by the careful pull of tributaries running toward the south and west. Coastal forms are delineated with the delicacy of a draftsman: from the scalloped inlets around Port Jackson to the generous sweep of Port Phillip and the hard, oblique line of Bass Strait. The legend\/key distills the visual system, allowing the viewer to navigate political divisions and physical geography with equal confidence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe human geography is as telling as the physical. Sydney anchors the littoral world of New South Wales, its relationships to Newcastle and Wollongong traced along coast and river valleys that feed into the Hunter and Illawarra districts. Southward, in the Port Phillip District, Melbourne and Geelong appear as ascendant colonial towns, set against the estuarine breadth of Port Phillip and the lattice of rivers that would power trade and pastoral expansion. The counties that frame them—meticulously differentiated and cross-referenced—suggest a colonial order being mapped into existence. Roads and tracks are implied by alignments of settlement, ferries, and ports, while hinterlands begin to resolve into recognizable districts: places where naming, measuring, and jurisdiction were precursors to governance and commerce.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePerhaps the most evocative threads on the sheet are the routes of travelers into the interior, spanning 1817 to 1840. These lines press westward over the ranges and south across the plains, each bearing dates and directional cues that tether story to space. They record the audacity and contingency of exploration—episodic, cumulative, and often indebted to Aboriginal knowledge—linking coast to interior through a sequence of trials, river crossings, and passes. In frontier districts, Arrowsmith observes varying topographic textures and, where contemporary sources allowed, acknowledges cultural or territorial notes that shadow the colonial grid. The map becomes a palimpsest: the stable geometry of counties overlaying the more fluid itineraries of discovery that preceded them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJohn Arrowsmith’s authority radiates from every decision. Nephew and heir to the Arrowsmith cartographic legacy, he drew upon Admiralty surveys, colonial dispatches, and explorers’ journals to synthesize the most reliable portrait available to London and the world. This 1844 sheet embodies the exploratory spirit and the administrative momentum of the nineteenth century: lucid in design, scrupulous in compilation, and forward-looking in its embrace of standardized color and intelligible referencing. It sits within an atlas program that, by the mid-1840s, had grown beyond its 1842 contours—adding fifteen new maps, including the scarce 1843 Texas—and now recognized by leading bibliographers as an unrecorded variant. For the discerning collector, it is a work of clarity and consequence: elegant, exacting, and historically resonant.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCities and towns on this map\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSydney (modern-day population: 5.3 million)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNewcastle (modern-day population: 322,000)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWollongong (modern-day population: 300,000)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMelbourne (modern-day population: 5 million)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGeelong (modern-day population: 250,000)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNotable Features \u0026amp; Landmarks\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDetailed outlines of terrain and physical geographic features (e.g., mountains, rivers)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eColor-coded counties, each numbered for easy reference\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA detailed legend\/key explaining color distinctions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRoutes of travelers into the interior clearly marked\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNotable rivers and lakes named and located\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIndication of indigenous territories or notable tribal regions (if applicable)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMarkings of exploratory expeditions conducted prior to 1840\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAreas depicted with varying topographic features\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHistorical and design context\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDate created: 1844\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMapmaker: John Arrowsmith, a noted cartographer known for his accurate maps and innovative designs, which contributed significantly to cartography during the 19th century.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThis atlas is an exemplary piece reflecting elegance and clarity, marking a shift to modern atlas design in the 19th century.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe 1842 edition includes an additional fifteen maps, including a rare Map of Texas from 1843 and several maps dated 1844; it’s noted as an unrecorded edition in Verner, Phillips, and the British Museum.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDesign\/style context: The outline color design with differentiated counties enhances both the aesthetic and functional aspects of the map, making it an educational tool.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHistorical significance: This map exemplifies the exploratory spirit of the 19th century and reflects the colonial endeavors in Australia during a pivotal period of its development.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003ePlease double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 70in (180cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please \u003ca href=\"\/fr\/pages\/contact-us\"\u003eget in touch\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePlease note: the labels on this map are hard to read if you order a map that is 20in (50cm) or smaller. The map is still very attractive, but if you would like to read the map easily, please buy a larger size.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40x50cm) version of this map.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIf you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the \u003ca href=\"\/fr\/collections\/all-old-vintage-antique-maps\"\u003ebest old maps\u003c\/a\u003e to see if something else catches your eye.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePlease \u003ca href=\"\/fr\/pages\/contact-us\"\u003econtact me\u003c\/a\u003e to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex\/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Unique Maps Co.","offers":[{"title":"16x20in (40x50cm) \/ Map","offer_id":58033166549376,"sku":"UM00277007A","price":122.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"16x20in (40x50cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58033166582144,"sku":"UM00277008A","price":271.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"16x20in (40x50cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58033166614912,"sku":"UM00277009A","price":0.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"18x24in (45x60cm) \/ Map","offer_id":58033166647680,"sku":"UM00277010A","price":142.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"18x24in (45x60cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58033166680448,"sku":"UM00277011A","price":310.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"18x24in (45x60cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58033166713216,"sku":"UM00277012A","price":0.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A2 (420x594mm) \/ Map","offer_id":58033166745984,"sku":"UM00277013A","price":142.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A2 (420x594mm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58033166778752,"sku":"UM00277014A","price":310.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A2 (420x594mm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58033166811520,"sku":"UM00277015A","price":0.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"20x28in (50x70cm) \/ Map","offer_id":58033166844288,"sku":"UM00277016A","price":161.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"20x28in (50x70cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58033166877056,"sku":"UM00277017A","price":464.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"20x28in (50x70cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58033166909824,"sku":"UM00277018A","price":522.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"24x30in (60x75cm) \/ Map","offer_id":58033166942592,"sku":"UM00277019A","price":171.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"24x30in (60x75cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58033166975360,"sku":"UM00277020A","price":464.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"24x30in (60x75cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58033167008128,"sku":"UM00277021A","price":522.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A1 (594x841mm) \/ Map","offer_id":58033167040896,"sku":"UM00277022A","price":171.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A1 (594x841mm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58033167073664,"sku":"UM00277023A","price":464.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A1 (594x841mm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58033167106432,"sku":"UM00277024A","price":522.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"28x40in (70x100cm) \/ Map","offer_id":58033167139200,"sku":"UM00277025A","price":223.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"28x40in (70x100cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58033167171968,"sku":"UM00277026A","price":638.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"28x40in (70x100cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58033167204736,"sku":"UM00277027A","price":638.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"32x40in (80x100cm) \/ Map","offer_id":58033167237504,"sku":"UM00277028A","price":223.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"32x40in (80x100cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58033167270272,"sku":"UM00277029A","price":638.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"32x40in (80x100cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58033167303040,"sku":"UM00277030A","price":638.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A0 (841x1189mm) \/ Map","offer_id":58033167335808,"sku":"UM00277031A","price":319.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A0 (841x1189mm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58033167368576,"sku":"UM00277032A","price":1479.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A0 (841x1189mm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58033167401344,"sku":"UM00277033A","price":1392.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"40x50in (100x127cm) \/ Map","offer_id":58033167434112,"sku":"UM00277034A","price":484.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"40x50in (100x127cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58033167466880,"sku":"UM00277035A","price":1797.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"40x50in (100x127cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58033167499648,"sku":"UM00277036A","price":1691.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"48x60in (120x150cm) \/ Map","offer_id":58033167532416,"sku":"UM00277037A","price":590.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"48x60in (120x150cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58033167565184,"sku":"UM00277038A","price":2705.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"48x60in (120x150cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58033167597952,"sku":"UM00277039A","price":2512.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"56x70in (142x178cm) \/ Map","offer_id":58033167630720,"sku":"UM00277040A","price":1092.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"56x70in (142x178cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58033167663488,"sku":"UM00277041A","price":3816.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"56x70in (142x178cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58033167696256,"sku":"UM00277042A","price":3623.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0257\/0344\/8638\/files\/file_3acd3ade-cee8-4e16-80a3-fafbacf05618.jpg?v=1777930178","url":"https:\/\/uniquemaps.net\/fr\/products\/old-map-of-new-south-wales-and-victoria-by-arrowsmith-1844-sydney-melbourne-port-phillip-bass-strait-routes-1817-40","provider":"The Unique Maps Co.","version":"1.0","type":"link"}